Spring rolls are basically the best finger foodโcrispy, light, and gone in seconds. But what do you serve with them? Whether youโre making fried lumpia, fresh Vietnamese rolls, or shrimp summer rolls, these 23 easy side dishes turn them into a full meal. From fried rice and Asian slaw to cold noodle salads and homemade dipping sauces, thereโs something here for every craving.
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What Are Spring Rolls?
Let me start by saying that Spring rolls are different from egg rolls and summer rolls.
Spring rolls have a long history, starting in China thousands of years ago as flat pancakes made to celebrate spring. Over the years, these evolved into the rolled-up spring rolls we know today, filled with fresh veggies like green or red cabbage, green onions, and carrots, wrapped in a thin pastry. They can be baked or left fresh and dipped in good dipping sauce, often served during Chinese New Year festivals.
Fast forward to today, and spring rolls are a global favorite with countless variations. In Vietnam, they're known as gแปi cuแปn and made with rice paper wrappers filled with glass noodles, bean sprouts, and wood ear mushrooms. Thailand adds its own twist, while Indonesia enjoys them with large shrimp or chicken, and in the Philippines (called lumpiang shanghai), they're longer and thinner.
What About Egg Rolls and Summer Rolls
On the other hand, egg rolls are an American creation, featuring an egg-based batter for a thicker, pasta-like wrapper thatโs fried to a crispy golden brown, much like what youโd find at Panda Express.
Summer rolls, a Vietnamese variation, are the healthiest option, served fresh and never fried.
Why You'll Love These Side Dish Options
- Versatile Pairings: 23 diverse side dishes which are great way to complement your spring rolls, catering to all taste preferences and occasions.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple and quick recipes that wonโt steal the spotlight from your main dish.
- Flavorful Options: A mix of light, fresh sides and bold, savory flavors to enhance the taste of your spring rolls.
- Perfect for Any Event: Whether itโs a casual dinner or a festive party, these sides add the right touch to your meal.
- Crowd-Pleasers: Each dish is designed to be a hit with family and friends, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Best Side Dishes for Spring Rolls
1 Sweet and Sour Sauce
This tangy and sweet sauce features a blend of vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup, creating a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. It's a classic dipping sauce that elevates the fresh flavors of your fresh spring rolls with its vibrant taste. Add chili and you have sweet chili sauce.
2 Peanut Sauce
Creamy and nutty, peanut sauce is made from blended peanuts, coconut milk, and soy sauce, adding a rich, savory touch to your spring rolls. Its smooth texture and bold flavor enhance every bite with a delightful nuttiness.
3 Nuoc Cham
A traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce, Nuoc Cham combines fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and garlic to create a tangy and flavorful accompaniment. Its balanced sweetness and acidity make it a perfect complement to the fresh ingredients in your spring rolls.
4 Hoisin Sauce
Sweet and slightly spicy, hoisin sauce adds depth and richness to your fresh spring rolls, perfect for dipping and drizzling.
5 Rice
Whether steamed or fried, rice is a versatile side that complements any spring roll filling. Steamed rice provides a neutral base, while fried rice with fresh vegetables and soy sauce adds extra flavor and texture to your meal.
6 Pancit
This Filipino noodle dish features stir-fried rice noodles with vegetables, meat, or seafood, flavored with soy sauce and garlic. Pancit is a hearty and savory side that adds both substance and deliciousness to your spring roll feast.
7 Chili Garlic Sauce
Spicy and aromatic, chili garlic sauce combines chili peppers, garlic, and rice vinegar for a bold flavor boost. It adds a fiery kick and rich depth to your spring rolls, making each bite more exciting.
8 Sesame Ginger Dressing
This aromatic dressing blends sesame oil, sesame seeds, fresh ginger, and soy sauce for a flavorful addition to your spring rolls. Its light and zesty taste enhances the freshness of the rolls while adding a hint of nuttiness.
9 Pickled Vegetables (Atchara)
Tangy and crunchy pickled vegetables, such as carrots and papaya, provide a delightful contrast to the flavors of spring rolls. Their acidity and crisp texture help balance the richness of the rolls.
10 Cucumber Salad
Light and refreshing, cucumber salad features crisp cucumbers tossed in a simple vinegar dressing. This side is perfect for complementing the fresh, crisp nature of your spring rolls with its cool and tangy flavor.
11 Cold Sesame Noodles
This dish features noodles tossed in a creamy sesame sauce made from sesame paste, soy sauce, and a touch of garlic. It's a refreshing side dish that complements the fresh flavors of your spring rolls, adding a nutty and savory element to your meal. The cold temperature and smooth texture make it a great accompaniment, perfect for balancing the flavors of spring rolls.
12 Mango Salad
Sweet and tangy mango salad combines ripe mangoes with a hint of spice for a vibrant side dish. Its fruity and spicy flavors add a refreshing contrast to the savory spring rolls.
13 Edamame
Lightly salted edamame is a protein-packed side made from steamed young soybeans. Its mild, savory flavor and satisfying texture make it a great complement to the fresh flavors of spring rolls.
14 Avocado Salad
Creamy avocado slices salad with a light citrus dressing adds a refreshing and smooth element to your meal. The creamy texture and tangy flavor perfectly complement the crisp, fresh taste of spring rolls.
15 Spicy Mango Salsa
Fresh mango salsa with jalapeรฑos, onions, and lime juice offers a sweet and zesty twist. This vibrant salsa adds a fruity and spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with your spring rolls.
16 Crab Rangoon
Crispy and creamy, crab rangoon features a filling of crab meat and cream cheese, wrapped in a crispy wonton shell. It's an indulgent side that complements the freshness of spring rolls with its rich, savory flavor.
17 Asian Slaw
Crunchy Asian slaw combines shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing for a tangy and refreshing side. Its crunch and zesty flavor enhance the taste of spring rolls, adding a fresh element to your meal.
18 Tempura Vegetables
Lightly battered and fried tempura vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and bell peppers, add a crispy and savory texture. Their golden crunch pairs well with the fresh ingredients of spring rolls.
19 Gyoza
Japanese gyoza, filled with a savory mixture of meat or tofu and raw vegetables, can be steamed or pan-fried. These flavorful dumplings make a satisfying side that complements the fresh, crispy nature of spring rolls.
20 Satay Skewers
Grilled satay skewers of meat or tofu, served with a creamy peanut butter sauce, offer a flavorful and hearty side. Their smoky, savory taste pairs excellently with the fresh flavors of spring rolls.
21 Teriyaki Chicken
Sweet and savory grilled teriyaki chicken, marinated in a flavorful sauce, provides a hearty side dish. Its rich taste and satisfying texture pair well with the light and fresh nature of spring rolls.
22 Vegetable Stir-Fry
A colorful mix of sautรฉed fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas in a savory sauce adds a flavorful side. Also, green beans stir-fry enhances your spring roll experience with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
23 Vietnamese Rice Noodles
Lightly seasoned rice noodles, often served with fresh herbs, provide a perfect complement to the fresh and vibrant flavors of spring rolls.
Storage Instruction
To store fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, start by placing them in a small bowl lined with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain their moisture. For added protection, place the spring roll wrapper in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep them fresh until the next time you plan to use them.
If you have crispy spring rolls that you want to keep for later, store them in a container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Ensure the container is airtight to keep them from becoming soggy. For best results, reheat them in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness rather than using a microwave, which may affect their texture.
With these delicious side dish options, your spring roll meal will be a hit with everyone.
FAQs
Yes, spring rolls can be eaten as a meal, especially when served with protein-rich fillings like shrimp or chicken and paired with a side salad or rice. Their versatility makes them a great option for lunch or dinner.
For dinner, serve spring rolls alongside dishes like fried rice, stir-fried noodles, or a light soup. These pairings complement the crispy texture of the rolls and add variety to the meal.
To keep spring rolls crunchy, fry them at the right temperature (around 350ยฐF) and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can make them soggy. After frying, place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispiness.
It depends on the type! Fried lumpia is best served hot and crispy, while fresh Vietnamese rolls are meant to be served cold or room temp with chilled dipping sauce.
Go for plant-based sides like garlic fried rice, miso soup, or a coconut noodle salad. Add protein with tofu skewers, edamame, or a side of vegan peanut sauce.
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